Pennington Biomedical Research Center is one of the world’s premier metabolic research institutions — home to more than 100 faculty, postdoctoral, and adjunct researchers working across 11 designated research areas. The Foundation’s mission is to ensure these scientists have the unrestricted resources to pursue the boldest ideas and the most promising discoveries.
100+
Scientists currently supported
11
Designated research areas
35+
Years of research excellence
222 acres
Pennington Biomedical campus
Research Areas
Every gift to the Foundation can be designated to one of our 11 research areas — or given as unrestricted support, letting scientists direct funds where they’re needed most.
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Obesity
Understanding the biological, behavioral, and environmental drivers of obesity — and developing new strategies for prevention and treatment.
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Diabetes
Investigating insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes from the cellular level to clinical intervention.
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Nutrition
Exploring how dietary patterns, macronutrients, and food environments shape metabolic health across the lifespan.
👶
Greaux Healthy / Pediatrics
Early-life interventions to reduce childhood obesity risk and give every Louisiana child a healthier future.
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Healthy Aging
Studying how metabolic health affects cognitive function, physical independence, and quality of life in older adults.
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Cancer Prevention
Investigating the links between obesity, inflammation, and cancer risk — and testing interventions that may reduce that risk.
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Women’s Health
Research focused on how metabolic disease manifests differently in women — including pregnancy, menopause, and sex-specific risk factors.
🌍
Population Health
Large-scale studies examining how social, economic, and environmental factors drive chronic disease at the community level.
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Basic Research
Foundational science exploring the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying metabolism, fat storage, and energy regulation.
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Physical Activity
Examining how exercise and movement affect metabolic health, weight management, and chronic disease prevention across the lifespan.
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Postdoctoral Fellows
Training the next generation of obesity and metabolic disease researchers through mentored fellowships and endowed postdoctoral positions.
Landmark Achievements
Pennington Biomedical researchers have shaped the way the world understands and treats obesity and chronic disease.
💊
Every Obesity Medication on the Market
Pennington Biomedical researchers have been involved in the development of every FDA-approved obesity medication currently on the market — a testament to 35+ years of sustained clinical and translational research.
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The DASH Diet
Pennington Biomedical’s science helped shape the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet, consistently ranked the #1 diet in America by U.S. News & World Report.
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U.S. Military Nutrition Programs
For more than three decades, Pennington Biomedical research has supported U.S. military nutrition and fitness programs — helping service members and their families maintain optimal health.
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Obecity, USA
A landmark national campaign bringing together researchers, policymakers, and communities to address America’s obesity epidemic with evidence-based interventions at scale.
Participate in Research
Healthy volunteers and people living with obesity, diabetes, or other metabolic conditions may be eligible to participate in ongoing clinical studies at Pennington Biomedical Research Center. Participation is voluntary and compensation is provided for qualifying studies.
View Open Studies at PBRC →
Contact Us
Fund the Science
Support Research That Changes Lives
Your gift funds the unrestricted research that no federal grant can touch — the bold science that leads to the next breakthrough in obesity, diabetes, and chronic disease.
